CIS Elementary Academic Team | 2026-2027 New School Year Elementary Teaching Team Introduction
Mr. Mark Evans will soon assume the role of K–G8 Principal and Communication Principal at CIS Foshan for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Mr.
Mark Evans
Educational Experience:
Over 34 years of experience in educational leadership and teaching reform, including more than 10 years focused on the IB curriculum. Has worked in Asia for 24 years, including Singapore, and is currently in the 4th year of working in China. Committed to developing learners with an inquiry mindset and a global perspective.
"Education should inspire curiosity, empathy, and resilience."
Elementary School
G1-G5
IB PYP Coordinator

Ms.
Michelle Mackenzie
Educational Background:
Bachelors Degree in Educational, majoring in Mathematics and Minor in Science and Arts
Bachelor of Educational Psychology
Studying for a Masters of Education with the focus on Inclusive Education
Educational Experience:
15 years of international teaching experience
"I believe every child has unique potential waiting to be unlocked through meaningful learning experiences."
Homeroom Teacher

Ms.
Jacqueline Abul
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Primary Education
Master of Early Childhood Education
Educational Experience:
20 years of Educational experience, with nearly half of her career immersed in the enriching environment of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP).
"As a teacher, I want my students to understand what lifelong learning means.I want them to have this goal of understanding the concept of being a lifelong learner,who continuously build their skills and knowledge throughout their lifetime."
Homeroom Teacher

Ms.
Kyla Deighton
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in History
Bachelor of Education
Educational Experience:
Gained solid teaching skills in diverse educational settings and is committed to creating a positive and caring classroom environment.
"I believe teaching is about enriching young minds, building community, and setting students up for success."
Homeroom Teacher

Ms. Aliya Serena
Educational Background:
Bachelor of primary education
Educational Experience:
3 years of Educational experience
“I believe in creating an inclusive classroom that inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and nurtures lifelong learners. My goal is to guide students to grow as compassionate, independent thinkers.”
Homeroom Teacher

Ms.
Marli Roberts
Educational Background:
Bachelor's degree in Education
Studying for a Master of Advanced Education
Educational Experience:
over 14 years of international Educational experience
"Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire."
Homeroom Teacher
Ms.Avery Deighton
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts in History
Bachelor of Education
Educational Experience:
Experience in elementary education in Canada and secondary education in Taiwan, China
"I value hands-on, student-centred learning and believe that building positive relationships helps students grow in confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning."
Homeroom Teacher

Ms.
Georgia Merk
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts: Kinesiology
Bachelor of Education
Educational Experience:
5 years international Educational experience.
“It takes a big heart to help shape little minds”
Chinese Teacher

Ms.
Janny Zhang
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree from South China Normal University
Educational Experience:
4 years of overseas Educational experience
11 years of Chinese language teaching and homeroom experience at renowned bilingual schools in China
"Let trees be trees, and flowers be flowers."
Chinese Teacher

Ms.
Paisley Peng
Educational Background:
Master’s Degree in Education (Guangxi Normal University)
Educational Experience:
3 years’ experience teaching Chinese and IB in international schools;
two-time CIEO Outstanding Teacher and Panyu District Outstanding Teacher
"The purpose of education is not to provide answers, but to unlock the doors of the mind."
Music Teacher

Mr. Evangelos (V) Chatzigeorgiou
Educational Background:
Master of Music Composition
Educational Experience:
Over 9 years of international education experience
"Practice makes better!"
PE Teacher

Mr.
Sidney Bartlett
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts (Sports Studies)
Master of Education
National Diploma in Sports development & Fitness
Educational Experience:
Over 10 years of international education experience
“Healthy bodies, Healthy mind - Effort is everything!”
Librarian & Art Teacher

Ms.
Szabina Kitchen
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Education with a specialist in Library and Art
Educational Experience:
31 Years of International Education Experience in Elementary and Middle Schools
“To teach is to be optimistic. I believe in the students ability to ask questions I have never even thought of and to find the answers I do not know!”

More outstanding faculty will be updated gradually....

IB PYP Education